by Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY

by Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY

A super PAC that encouraged blacks and Democrats to vote for Republican Sen. Thad Cochran in last month's runoff election in Mississippi received its funds from a super PAC tied to Cochran's biggest backers, new filings show.

All Citizens for Mississippi reported that it raised $144,685 between June 6 and June 30 - all of which came from Mississippi Conservatives, the main pro-Cochran super PAC. Its backers have included former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour, who worked tirelessly to help Cochran successfully defeat Tea Party challenger Chris McDaniel, a state senator.

Super PACs operate independently of candidates.

The filing, made late Tuesday evening, was the first account of the group's fundraising and spending.

Cochran led by more than 7,600 votes. McDaniel, however, has refused to concede the election, claiming that Cochran's allies stole the election by urging Democrats to turn out for him.

All Citizens for Mississippi reported spending more than $111,000 in the final weeks of the campaign. The bulk of the money - more than $97,000 - went to get-out-the-vote efforts. One Jackson resident was paid $34,000 for door-to-door canvassing between June 12 and June 30, the filings show.

All Citizens for Mississippi has close ties with the New Horizon Church in Jackson. The church's leader, Bishop Ronnie Crudup Sr., is a prominent leader in the African-American community.

In an interview this month with The Clarion-Ledger, Crudup said he founded the super PAC, and it had raised about $200,000 in total from several sources, including Republicans. He said committee would remain active in future races.

The super PAC garnered attention with an advertisement that touted Cochran's work to secure federal funds for programs, ranging from historically black colleges and universities to nutrition assistance to poor families.

In a separate filing late Tuesday, Mississippi Conservatives reported contributing $142,000 to All Citizens for Mississippi.